The highly anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for the Taichung High-Speed Railway Section Development was held on June 30, 2024. This transformative mixed-use, transit-oriented development (TOD) is set to reshape the city in central Taiwan. The groundbreaking event followed a notable media conference that took place on June 27, 2024.
Teri Tsang, Benoy Director and Hong Kong Studio Lead, expressed her vision of this project:
“The Taichung High-Speed Railway Section Development represents an unparalleled opportunity to redefine urban living in central Taiwan. Our team at Benoy is honored to be entrusted with this transformative TOD project, which will seamlessly integrate modern architecture, vibrant public spaces, and sustainable mobility solutions. Working closely with the client and the local community, we are proud to drive this world-class, game-changing development forward.”
The Benoy design team, which is responsible for the architecture design, masterplanning, and landscape architecture, was invited to attend the media event and groundbreaking ceremony. The team comprised of Gregory Kovacs, Design Director; Vicky Wang, Associate Director; Alien Chan, Senior Architect; Amy Tan, Architecture Designer; Rayvees Goh, Director, Landscape Architecture; and Bartosz Majchrzycki, Senior Associate Director, Landscape Architecture.
Gregory commented:
“We are honoured to work on such a remarkable development for the local community and the region. Our goal was to create a holistic and sustainable vision for the Taichung Station area — a mega development that not only respects the environment but is deeply anchored in the local culture while creating a vibrant new commercial center.”
Spearheaded by D‑ONE, this iconic new destination seeks to merge urban dynamism with nature’s tranquility, offering a multifaceted experience that will captivate visitors and residents alike.
Catalysing Taichung’s Future as a Transit-Oriented Hub
The development site is located at Xinwuri Station in Taichung City, and enjoys the advantages of fast and convenient transportation links including a high-speed rail, conventional rail and MRT rapid transit, as well as excellent road access via multiple national motorways and expressways that connect to the entire Greater Central Region of Taiwan within 30 minutes.
Inspired by Taichung’s Distinctive Topography
As the lead designer for the architecture, masterplanning, and landscape designs, Benoy drew inspiration from the unique topography of Taichung.
Taichung is a place where the mountains and urban areas seamlessly co-exist. Mountains bring serenity and calm, while the city injects cultural liveliness. This prerequisite creates an atmosphere that is both natural and dynamic, contributing to the area’s distinctive character.
The building is metaphorically likened to a mountain. Each distinctive space and pathway is a unique experience, similar to the sensations felt traversing along a mountain. Feature zones were named and interpreted based on elements found in mountainous environments — mountain, forest, water, cloud, and valley.
The design evokes majestic mountain-like volumes, cloud-like canopies, and water-like spaces, seamlessly integrating the built environment with the natural surroundings.
A Vibrant Mixed-Use Destination
At the heart of the 470,955 sqm complex will be a worldclass retail destination, blending shopping, global dining, and a Broadway-calibre multiplex cinema. This retail centerpiece will be complemented by an international multi-function exhibition venue, conference centre, Grade‑A offices, and an international five-star hotel.
Landscape Design
A Harmonious Fusion of Nature and Urban Dynamism
Complementing the architectural vision, Benoy’s landscape team has drawn deep inspiration from the rich tapestry of Taichung’s landscape, culture, and heritage.
Rayvees commented:
“The landscape design concept embodies a vision of urban utopia where nature and commerce coalesce in perfect harmony. By seamlessly blending architectural innovation with ecological stewardship, cultural vibrancy, and community engagement, we aspire to create an enduring legacy that transcends mere function and becomes a true symbol of Taichung’s progressive spirit.”
The landscape design focuses on three key pillars that aim to create a harmonious fusion of nature and urban dynamism:
Mall in the Park: The core of the approach — a harmonious integration of the mall with a verdant, park-like setting, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Each outdoor zone embodies a unique landscape theme, fostering an immersive journey filled with exploration and delight.
The Hub: Crafting a landscape that transforms the development into a vibrant lifestyle nexus for the city, featuring dynamic social spaces where arts, culture, and commerce converge seamlessly. Here, retail, entertainment, and dining experiences flourish alongside artistic and cultural endeavours.
The Gateway: Blending the city’s essence with a unique identity and unforgettable encounters to establish a fresh gateway to Taichung, offering a new entry point that leaves a lasting impression.
The landscape concept ingeniously interprets the essence of nature and the distinctive surroundings of Taichung City, presenting a contemporary and captivating tapestry of landscapes – a meeting point of the sea and the mountains. Echoing the rhythmic movements of the ocean, the design evokes the ebb and flow of waves, gently caressing the foothills of the mountains and sculpting the spaces of the ground floor.
Sustainable and Immersive Experiences
Water serves as a catalyst for the flourishing Coastal Forest, creating a verdant and serene ambiance that envelops the development. This lush greenery, imbued with numerous sustainable initiatives, houses a diverse array of programs including the Eco-Garden, Floating Grove for office arrivals, and the Sanctuary for hotel guests.
Upon reaching the fifth level, guests unveil the enchanting expanse of Cloud Valley, the crowning jewel of the development. This elevated sanctuary boasts unparalleled vistas of Taichung’s skyline, offering an ideal backdrop for social gatherings, artistic performances, and cultural celebrations.
At its heart lies the Enchanted Valley, a central gathering court where hidden wonders come to life through mesmerizing light and sound displays. Lively outdoor al fresco spaces buzz with activity, while towering water columns, reminiscent of local pottery craftsmanship, stand as iconic landmarks within the garden.
A Vision of Urban Utopia
The landscape design concept for the Taichung High-Speed Railway Section Development embodies a vision of urban utopia where nature and commerce coalesce in perfect harmony. By seamlessly blending architectural innovation with ecological stewardship, cultural vibrancy, and community engagement, the project aspires to create an enduring legacy that transcends mere function and becomes a true symbol of Taichung’s progressive spirit and boundless potential – a new gateway to the city and a world-class icon.
The Taichung project’s groundbreaking sets the stage for redefining the city’s skyline and ushering in a new era of urban vitality and community vibrancy. We look forward to the project’s progress, excited to unveil this transformative new chapter for Taichung.
